Chapter Text
“Fuck, Yasmin. Fuck, you’re so tight. Does that feel good, baby? Oh god , I’m gonna come.”
Yaz bit back a groan of disappointment as her husband loudly finished. Sure enough, he quickly pulled out and tied off the condom, throwing it in the wastebasket by their bed.
“That was good, sweetheart,” he said with a grin as he pulled his trousers up. “See you at the dinner? Got this big meeting beforehand, can’t miss it.”
“Sure thing,” Yaz said lightly. It wasn’t like this was anything new. Oscar decided he wanted to fuck, was done within ten minutes tops, and sometimes Yaz might get herself off after he left if she could be bothered. Rinse, repeat.
Staring at the ceiling, Yaz sighed. When she’d been a little girl looking up at the glow in the dark stars that decorated her room, imagining how her life would be, she’d never considered it might turn out like this.
So…empty.
It hadn’t always felt this way. When she’d first met Oscar, just after her nineteenth birthday, she’d been dazzled by his charm and confidence. He’d made her feel beautiful, desirable. Treated her to the nicest dinners, took her to the most amazing places.
In the beginning, she’d believed he loved her.
With a sigh, Yaz got out of bed and went to her closet, trying to decide what to wear to the dinner that evening. She knew Oscar would want her to look her best—this was “a pivotal moment for his career”, as he’d put it. Lots of corporate bigwigs and even some nobility were expected to be in attendance.
She eventually settled on Oscar’s favorite little black dress—one that hugged her curves in all the right places, showed a little leg, but still maintained a sense of professionalism.
After a quick shower, Yaz slipped on the dress and a pair of heels—not too high; Oscar didn’t like when Yaz was taller than him.
“It doesn’t make a good image,” he’d say. “It’s all about appearances, Yasmin.”
Really, Yaz didn’t mind not having to wear taller heels—they were quite uncomfortable. It was just the principle of the thing.
Sighing, Yaz moved to the vanity to do her makeup. Not too much (you don’t want to look cheap, Yasmin) or too little (we can’t have you looking washed out and exhausted).
Sometimes, it felt like she was nothing more than a prize to be shown off.
Sometimes, she was too tired to care.
***
Unsurprisingly, the dinner was proving to be a stuffy affair.
A mix of nobility and prominent(some moreso than others) political figures and businessmen were mingling about the room, each with their own agenda, as Yaz had quickly come to realize since she married Oscar. In this world, nothing was ever free.
As always, Yaz played the part of the dutiful wife–meandering about the room, making nice with everyone before the food was served.
It was exhausting.
Constantly trying to avoid the games people played while still appearing friendly, always walking on eggshells for fear of saying the wrong thing and ruining Oscar’s career–it was a delicate tightrope Yaz walked at these things.
After what she deemed an appropriate amount of time mingling, Yaz grabbed a lemonade from the refreshments table and found a seat near the edge of the room. It was always interesting to simply observe at these dinners–for instance, watching two men she knew hated each other act like they were best friends all for the sake of appearances.
As her eyes drifted around the room, she was suddenly struck by the sight of someone she hadn’t seen around before.
The woman was dressed in a velvet, emerald green suit–a far cry from the dresses that most of the women wore to these events. Her blonde hair was cut in a bob that framed a sharp jawline, and the way she held herself oozed confidence. She was sipping on a glass of red wine as she engaged in conversation with one of the other women in attendance–the wife of Oscar’s biggest competition, if she recalled correctly.
As if she could sense Yaz’s eyes on her, the woman’s gaze drifted over to Yaz. The woman studied her for a moment and, to Yaz’s surprise, she smirked at her before refocusing her attention on the other woman.
Yaz felt herself flush, stunned by the gesture. She hadn’t even realized she was still staring at the blonde when she felt someone come and sit beside her.
“Well, if it isn’t sweet Yasmin,” the man said, jerking Yaz’s attention away from the mysterious woman.
“Hello, Richard,” she said, trying not to grit her teeth. God, she hated how condescending most of these men were.
“How is everything? Oscar keeping you in line?”
Yaz forced a smile. “As well as he can.”
Richard chortled, the smell of alcohol on his breath as he placed his hand on Yaz’s knee. She stiffened. “You always were a funny one, Yasmin.”
“That’s why Oscar married me,” Yaz said, shifting her leg out from under Richard’s hand. A flash of annoyance crossed his face, but he quickly hid it.
“Of course,” Richard replied. “Though I’m sure that pretty face helped.” When Yaz didn’t respond, Richard continued. “Anyway, I was just wondering if Oscar had said anything to you recently about that trade deal.”
“No, he hasn’t,” Yaz said politely. (Of course, even if he had, she wouldn’t have said anything. The guy was such a leech.)
“Ah,” Richard sighed. “Well, I do hope to hear from him soon.”
“I’ll be sure to let him know,” Yaz said, careful to keep a neutral tone.
Always a game.
“Oh, of course you will,” Richard said, shooting her what he probably thought was a dazzling smile. “You’re always such a sweet girl.”
Yaz’s jaw clenched, and she was about two seconds away from saying fuck it and giving this guy a piece of her mind when—
“Mind if I sit here, Richard? I’d dearly like to catch up with my friend.” The blonde woman Yaz had noticed earlier interrupted them, a saccharine smile on her face.
The man grumbled something under his breath that Yaz couldn’t quite catch, but got up and walked towards one of the other attendees.
Yaz gave the woman a grateful look, feeling herself flush a little when the blonde winked back at her.
“He’s one of the most annoying,” the blonde whispered conspiratorially. “So full of himself.”
Yaz pursed her lips together, afraid to say anything. Appearances, Yasmin.
“It’s okay; I promise I won’t tell,” the woman said with a grin. “I’m Theo.”
“Yasmin,” Yaz said, offering the woman a smile of her own. “Yasmin Khan. Yaz, to my friends.”
“Well then,” Theo said confidently. “I’m calling you Yaz, because we’re friends now.”
Yaz let out a little laugh. “Is that so?”
“Yep,” Theo said, popping the p . “I’ve decided.”
Yaz smiled. “Well, I suppose that’s alright. Especially since you saved me from Richard.”
“Anytime,” Theo said breezily. She gestured with her wineglass, making a face. “I hate these kinds of things. They never serve anything strong enough to make it bearable when men are trying to make moves on you all night.”
Yaz held back a snort. “Yeah. It’s amazing the audacity some of these men have. Especially when they know they’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Theo tilted her head, her eyes lighting up as she looked at her curiously. “Oh?”
Yaz held up her left hand, where the obnoxious engagement ring Oscar bought her sat atop her wedding band.
A flicker of something—Yaz couldn’t tell what—crossed Theo’s face before she smiled at Yaz. “Lovely ring, there.”
Yaz shrugged. “Bit too flashy for my tastes. But Oscar likes showing off.”
Theo rolled her eyes knowingly. “Don’t they all.” She paused. “Oscar…not Oscar Domino?”
“Yes, that’s him,” Yaz said, unsure why she felt embarrassed to admit that to the blonde.
“I see,” Theo said, her face remaining perfectly neutral. “Didn’t fancy the last name?”
“I wanted to keep my own,” Yaz said, shrugging. “Makes me feel closer to my family.”
“What’s your family like?” Theo asked curiously.
Yaz paused. She’d never had anyone at these events ever show so much genuine interest in her, and it was quite disconcerting, if she were being honest. “Um, there’s my mum and dad—Najia and Hakim. And my little sister, Sonya. She’s a right pain sometimes, but I love her. Same with all of them, really.” She nodded toward Theo. “What about you? Have you got family?”
Theo stiffened. “No. Lost them a long time ago.”
Yaz felt her face darken. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”
After a moment, Theo exhaled and relaxed a little. “No, it’s fine. It was only polite of you to ask. I apologize.”
“That’s okay,” Yaz said softly. “I really appreciate you coming to talk to me. It’s very lonely at these things, sometimes.”
Theo put a hand on her knee, and the sensation sent a strange shiver running through Yaz. She looked up, wide brown eyes meeting hazel.
“Anytime,” Theo said, a small smile on her face. “I’ll see you around, Yaz.”
With a final squeeze to her knee, Theo stood and walked away. Yaz watched her go, immediately missing the warmth of the blonde’s hand on her skin.
She furrowed her eyebrows. She wasn’t sure what it was about the touch that provoked such a reaction.
She was soon dragged out of her thoughts by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. She looked up, seeing her husband moving towards her.
“Yasmin,” Oscar hissed under his breath as he reached her. “Do you know who that was?”
Yaz looked at him blankly. “Theo? She was really nice.”
“That’s Lady Theodora, the Countess of Arcadia. Involved with the higher-ups of my company.”
Yaz’s eyes widened as her gaze flickered to the blonde, who was now in conversation with one of the other nobles.
“This is good,” Oscar grinned as he put a hand on Yaz’s shoulder, either not noticing or not caring how she stiffened under his touch. “Looks like she’s back in the social scene, and she seems to like you. We can use that.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Yaz narrowed her eyes.
“She has connections,” Oscar said in a tone that resembled someone explaining something to a child. “You become her friend, and grease the wheels for me to finally start moving up the ladder.”
Yaz’s jaw clenched. Even though she’d just met the woman, Oscar’s suggestion didn’t sit right with her. “I’m not gonna use her like that.”
Oscar’s grip tightened on her shoulder, and his eyes flashed dangerously before his face smoothed into a forced smile. “You’re right, Yaz. I just think it might be a good idea for you to have a friend, that’s all.”
Yaz looked back at Theo, who was staring straight back at her from across the room. Yaz swallowed, her throat suddenly dry as the blonde’s gaze flickered from Yaz to Oscar, a look of—protectiveness? possessiveness? no, that didn’t make sense—on her face.
“Of course,” Yaz finally murmured. “A friend.”
***
The invitation came not even a week later.
An actual, written invitation, like they were still in the 1800s or something. Yaz held the envelope in her hands, tracing over the delicately written Yasmin Khan on the front. Somehow, even before opening it, she knew it was from Theo.
Lady Theodora.
Yaz shook her head. She hadn’t been able to get the woman out of her mind ever since they’d met at the dinner. She still wasn’t sure why the woman hadn’t announced herself as nobility; most of the ones she’d met before had done that almost instantly.
Because Theo is different , Yaz thought. She’s not like the rest of them.
A strange feeling of anticipation gripped Yaz as she carefully opened the envelope, taking out a piece of heavy stationary with only a few sentences scrawled on it.
Yasmin,
If you are so inclined, I would like to invite you to spend the day with me this next coming Saturday and join me for a horseback ride and lunch.
I very much enjoyed your company the other evening, and do hope to see you again soon.
Theo
Yaz traced the address written at the bottom of the letter, a smile spreading across her face.
“Something interesting?” Yaz looked up to see Oscar watching her from the staircase.
Yaz hesitated. She was still wary of Oscar’s intentions regarding herself and Theo, but she knew he would find out eventually. “I’ve been invited to The–Lady Theodora’s estate.”
Oscar grinned, sliding his hands together. “Oh, this is good. Job well done, Yasmin.”
“I didn’t–” Yaz began.
“You’ll need to make sure to take a gift with you,” Oscar continued on, ignoring her. “I’ll have my assistant purchase a nice bottle of wine.”
“I think she might actually prefer–”
“And do dress suitably, Yaz,” Oscar continued on, ignoring her completely. “You obviously made a decent first impression, but we need more.”
Before Yaz could say anything, Oscar was on his phone, walking off to make a call.
“Right,” Yaz huffed. “Whatever you say, Oscar.”
***
Theo’s estate was…impressive, to say the least. Acres of grass surrounded a sprawling mansion; in the distance, Yaz could see the woods that bordered her property.
Yaz felt a wave of apprehension as she walked up to the door, the sound of tires on gravel deafeningly loud as her Uber driver drove off. The bottle of wine in her hand suddenly felt infinitely heavy, weighted with guilt at what Oscar wanted her to do.
Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the front door and knocked.
To her surprise, it wasn’t a member of staff that answered but Theo herself, a wide grin on her face.
“Yaz! Hiya! Come on in,” Theo gestured inside.
Yaz shyly followed her, eyes widening as she took in the foyer.
“Impressive place,” Yaz said politely.
“It’s pompous and an eyesore,” Theo said bluntly. “But as it is a family estate, there isn’t much I can do about it.”
Yaz nodded, unsure what to say. Instead, she held the bottle of wine out in front of her. “I brought you a gift. As a thank you for inviting me over.”
Theo took the bottle and read the label, raising an eyebrow as she gave Yaz a small smile. “This was Oscar, wasn’t it?”
Yaz flushed. “Maybe. I tried to tell him you’d probably prefer something stronger, but, well.”
“Well indeed,” Theo said, an amused smile still on her face. “It’s alright, Yaz. He’s not the first to try and play this game.”
Yaz pressed her lips together, that guilt once again rearing its head as she looked down at her shoes. “I…”
“Yaz,” Theo interrupted gently. “Truly. It’s alright.”
Yaz looked up at the blonde, who was studying her curiously. She swallowed. “I didn’t come here for him. I…I really do want to be your friend.”
“That’s all that matters to me,” Theo said simply before shifting gears. “Now. I was thinking of doing a picnic–there’s a spot I love riding to that I wanted to show you. Of course, if you’re hungry now, we could eat here instead and ride later, or really anything you’d like. Wait, do you like riding? I didn’t even think to ask. How rude of me. We can always–”
“I like riding,” Yaz interrupted. Was the blonde…nervous? Her rambling was a far cry from the cool, confident air she had put on at the dinner. Why she would be nervous around Yaz, though, was beyond her. No matter the reason, Yaz had to admit it was quite cute.
“Oh, brilliant,” Theo exhaled, a smile on her face.
***
Yaz was surprised when Theo started packing their picnic; most of the nobles she had met wouldn’t have deigned to do something so mundane.
“I like to do things on my own,” Theo said as she looked up at Yaz, who immediately felt chagrined at being caught. “I do hire people to come and clean periodically, as well as take care of the lawn, because. Well. There’s a lot that has to be done. But I never much liked the idea of having ‘the help’ or whatever they’re saying these days.”
“You’re not like any other nobles I’ve ever met,” Yaz said, a wry smile on her face.
“Good,” Theo said as she placed the freshly made sandwiches into a basket. “I’d be very upset with myself if I was.”
Yaz watched as Theo grabbed a thermos and poured in some lemonade.
“That’s my favorite,” she said, a soft smile on her face.
Theo’s cheeks pinkened. “Yeah. I saw you drinking it at the dinner, so I tried my hand at making some.”
Warmth flooded through her body at the blonde’s gesture. “That’s very kind of you, Theo. Thank you,” Yaz said shyly.
“Can’t promise it’ll be any good,” Theo said wryly, as if trying to play off her gesture. “You might not be thanking me after you taste it.”
Yaz laughed. “It’s the thought that counts.”
Right as they were about to leave the kitchen, Theo stopped in her tracks. “I almost forgot the most important thing,” she said, quickly moving to one of the cabinets. She emerged holding a packet of custard creams, a pleased smile on her face.
Yaz gave her a curious look. “Didn’t peg you for a sweet tooth.”
“Yaz,” Theo said seriously. “These aren’t just any biscuit. They’re nirvana.”
Yaz fought back a smile. “Right, of course,” she said solemnly.
Theo opened the pack right there, popping one into her mouth and practically moaning and why was that sound making Yaz’s breath catch in her throat—
“Want me to bring you a pack?” Theo asked, a curious tilt to her head.
“Um.” Yaz blinked, trying to refocus. “Wait, aren’t we—”
“You think I’m gonna share?” Theo teased, eyebrow raised. “That’s a very serious thing to ask of me, Yaz.”
Yaz felt herself blush. “I—”
“Lucky I like you,” Theo said, placing the opened pack of custard creams in the basket. “Now, let’s get a shift on.”
***
They were walking towards the stable when Yaz decided to indulge her curiosity about her invitation here.
“So. A letter, huh?” Yaz asked lightly, a teasing note to her voice. “Quite old-fashioned.”
“Well, I didn’t exactly have your phone number.” Theo shrugged, readjusting the basket on her arm. “Much easier to find Oscar’s address in the company records.”
“Some might say that’s unethical,” Yaz said with a raised brow.
Theo actually blushed, scrunching her nose. “I simply used the resources I had at my disposal.”
Yaz felt a strange flutter in her stomach at the fact the woman so clearly had wanted to see her again.
“Well, I’m glad you did,” Yaz said softly. “I’m having a really nice time.”
Theo grinned. “Just you wait, Yasmin Khan. Lots more in store. You’ll love the picnic spot, it’s ace.”
If Yaz was being honest with herself, she knew that it could be a patch of brown grass and a singular tree stump and she would agree.
When they reached the stables, Theo set the picnic basket down and walked over to the nearest stall.
“Hiya, boy,” she crooned, patting the horse’s dark brown muzzle. “You ready for an adventure?”
The horse nickered in answer, and Theo grinned as she looked at Yaz. “C’mere.”
Yaz walked up beside her, following her lead and gently stroking the horse’s nose. “He’s handsome.”
As if in agreement, the horse started moving his head up and down.
“He’s a handful,” Theo said, a hint of pride in her voice. “Always has been. I’ve had him since I was a teenager; he was born here. He’s getting a little up there in age, but you’d never be able to tell from watching him play.”
“What’s his name?” Yaz asked.
“Stig.”
“Stig?” Yaz repeated, eyebrows furrowed.
“Yeah. Means wanderer,” Theo said. “It’s a Swedish name.”
“You know Swedish?”
“I know lots of languages. For instance— du bass sou schéin. ”
“What’s that one?”
“Luxembourgish.”
“What did you say?”
Theo gave Yaz a crooked half-smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Yaz rolled her eyes.
“C’mon,” Theo said, bumping Yaz’s shoulder playfully. “Tell me you’re impressed.”
“You’re like a kid sometimes,” Yaz said, unable to hold back a smile.
“Only sometimes?” Theo raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Come on. Let’s get you saddled up.”
Theo led her over to another stall, where a reddish-brown horse waited.
“This is Ember,” Theo said, patting the horse’s head. “She’s pretty calm for a Thoroughbred, and she gets along well with Stig. She’ll take care of you.”
Yaz watched as Theo led Ember out and got her saddled up. Yaz gave the horse’s neck a friendly pat, and Ember nickered back at her.
“Have you ever ridden before?” Theo asked.
“Only a little, when I were younger,” Yaz said. “Like ponies at birthday parties.”
“Lucky for you, I’m a good teacher,” Theo said with a smile. “Here, I’ll help you up. Just put one foot in the stirrup and hold on here–yep, just like that,” she praised, and Yaz felt herself blush.
“A natural,” Theo said, her fingers still grazing Yaz’s leg. “Now just…”
Yaz barely heard anything Theo was saying; the feeling of Theo’s fingers on her calf, even through her trousers, was all she could focus on.
“Yaz?” Theo asked, slightly increasing her pressure on Yaz’s leg.
“Sorry, what?” Yaz blinked at her.
Theo raised an eyebrow at her. “Am I that boring?”
“N–no,” Yaz stumbled, trying to figure out why she was having such a reaction. God, had it been that long since Oscar had really touched her?
An unreadable expression crossed Theo’s face as she let her hand fall down to her side. “Well, try and listen this time,” she teased. “Wouldn’t want you getting hurt.”
Yaz somehow managed to focus on what Theo was telling her, and before she knew it they were ambling along a well-worn path. Theo and Stig led the way, and Ember followed along easily.
They plodded along in comfortable silence, the wind in the trees and the sound of birds chirping back and forth making their own melody around them.
After about fifteen minutes, they came to the start of a small clearing, where a wooden hitching post stood, the ends decorated with carved horse heads.
Theo quickly dismounted and hooked Stig’s lead to the post before helping Yaz down and getting Ember settled.
“Those are fancy decorations,” Yaz noted curiously, gesturing to the horse heads as she regained her balance. “They look so lifelike.”
“Carved those myself,” Theo responded with a cheeky grin. “Quite good with me hands.”
Yaz felt herself flush as the thought of what else Theo’s hands could be good for suddenly flashed through her mind.
What the fuck?
Yaz gave a tiny shake of her head, as if she could rid herself of whatever these thoughts were. She didn’t even think of women that way. Sure, Theo was one of the most attractive people Yaz had ever seen—she wasn’t blind. But she appreciated her beauty like she would art in a museum—to be looked at, never to touch.
Besides, it was surely an offhanded comment from the blonde that Yaz was blowing out of proportion.
“They look nice,” Yaz said finally. “What other hobbies do you have?”
“Oh, lots of things,” Theo said easily. “I love tinkering around with things, figuring out how they work. Traveling. There’s so much to see out there; I like to get away from the estate whenever I can. And when I can’t, well. I come out here. Helps me not feel so trapped. Just me and the sky and the whispering of the trees.”
Yaz tilted her head, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Do you often feel trapped?”
Theo looked at her, eyes searching—for what, Yaz wasn’t sure. After a moment, she answered. “Yes,” she said simply. “But days like this give me hope for the future.”
Yaz felt a wave of warmth flood through her.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” Theo said suddenly. “I fancy a picnic, what about you?”
They spread out the blanket Theo had packed and quickly divvied up the sandwiches and crisps, as well as the two thermoses of lemonade.
Yaz took a hesitant sip and was pleasantly surprised at how good the lemonade was, even if it did have a touch too much sugar.
“How is it?” Theo asked nervously.
“Pretty good, actually,” Yaz said with a smile as she took another sip. “Solid 8/10.”
“Only 8?” Theo scrunched her nose.
“Don’t want you getting too big of a head now, do we?” Yaz teased.
“Did you just call me a bighead?” Theo asked, eyes widening dramatically.
Yaz smirked.
“Just for that, I’m taking all the custard creams,” Theo said, clearly trying to keep a straight face.
“You could do that, but then you’d never get to know if I actually like them.”
Theo froze. “Wait, you—you’ve never had a custard cream?”
Yaz shook her head.
Theo blinked at her. “What kind of soulless existence are you living right now?”
Even though Yaz knew the words were a joke, she couldn’t help the sharp pain that shot through her at them.
Something must have flickered across her face, because Theo immediately softened. “Here. Go ahead and try one.”
Yaz took the offered biscuit and bit it in half, eyes closing as she savored the sweet vanilla flavor.
She hummed. “Damn.”
“Right?” Theo said happily. “Oh wait, you’ve got a little…”
Yaz froze as Theo used her thumb to brush away a crumb from the corner of Yaz’s mouth.
“Is everything okay?” Theo asked softly, her thumb still lingering on Yaz’s cheek.
Yaz swallowed. “Of course,” she said, pulling back. “Thank you.”
Get a grip, Yaz.
Yaz leaned back on her hands, letting the sun shine on her face as she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.
When she opened her eyes, Theo was watching her, an unreadable expression on her face.
“It’s beautiful out here,” Yaz said hesitantly. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Anytime,” the blonde said with a crooked half-smile as she popped another custard cream into her mouth.
The sun shining down on her hair almost looked like a halo was surrounding her, Yaz thought.
She’s beautiful.
“Tell me something,” Yaz said suddenly.
Theo raised an eyebrow. “What do you want to know?”
“Anything,” Yaz said honestly. Everything. “What’s your favourite place you’ve traveled to?”
Theo tilted her head, considering. “Well. The northern lights are absolutely gorgeous, so they’ve gotta be up there. Morocco was amazing too—that’s where I married my ex-wife.”
Yaz choked on the sip of lemonade she was drinking. Ex -wife. “You…you were married?” she asked, hoping she sounded casual.
“Well, not legally,” Theo said, a hint of amusement on her face. “But that didn’t matter to River and I. Obviously that didn’t last, though. We were good, it just…wasn’t sustainable. Not with the way my life is. So we parted ways. Last I heard, she was in South Africa.”
“Wow,” Yaz finally managed. “Sounds intense.”
“She was,” Theo said with a wry smile. “Anyway. What about you? How did you meet Oscar?”
Yaz shrugged. “It was a friend of a friend type thing. I had just turned nineteen, and my roommate at uni took me to her parent’s Italian villa to celebrate. Her brother was a couple years older than us and went as well, and he brought Oscar.”
“Love at first sight?” Theo quipped.
“Something like that,” Yaz replied, avoiding Theo’s eyes. “We got married less than a year later. The rest is history, as they say.”
“And are you happy?” Theo’s simple question made Yaz’s heart pound in her chest. She swallowed, finally turning to look at the blonde. Theo looked back at her, hazel eyes searching.
“Of course,” Yaz said, the words sounding hollow even to her own ears. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
***
hiya yaz! what are you doing this sunday? pls say nothing
Yaz smiled at her phone. She had given Theo her phone number after their picnic two weeks prior, and the blonde hadn’t let a day go by without some sort of voice note or message (or sometimes, a gif of a capybara. Yaz still didn’t quite understand that one, but it made her smile.)
as it happens, i actually am doing nothing :)
wanna go swimming?
swimming? where?
I have a little lake house about an hour’s drive away. we could leave that morning after breakfast and be back by dinner if you’d like :)
Yaz smiled. that sounds amazing
perfect. I’ll pick you up around nine? is that too early?
nine is good!
brilliant. see you sunday, yaz x
Yaz’s heart skipped a beat.
see you then x
She took a deep breath. It was just a little x . She had friends who signed off like that all the time; it didn’t mean anything. Just because Theo had an ex-wife, and she was into women, didn’t mean she was into Yaz.
If she felt a flicker of disappointment at that thought, it was quickly shoved back into the furthest corner of Yaz’s mind.
“What’s got you looking like that?” The sound of Oscar’s voice from the doorway startled Yaz.
“Like what?” Yaz asked, feeling strangely caught.
Oscar studied her intently for a moment. “I don’t know. Nothing.” Sighing, he walked over and sat down next to her on the couch, one arm resting behind her as he started tracing circles on her thigh. “Are you seeing Lady Theodora again anytime soon?”
Theo. Her name is Theo.
“Actually, yes,” Yaz said hesitantly. “She’s invited me to visit her lake house this Sunday.”
Oscar grinned. “Beautiful work, Yasmin.”
“I’m not…” Yaz started. “She’s my friend, Oscar.”
“Of course she is, dear,” Oscar said, his hand sliding further up as he started pressing kisses to her neck. “Now…I miss my wife. Shall we take this to the bedroom?”
***
The doorbell rang at 8:49.
A mix of excitement and nervousness flooded Yaz as she put down her hairbrush and dashed downstairs, collecting herself before she opened the door.
Theo stood clad in a casual button-down and trousers, holding a bouquet of yellow daisies, her face brightening as her eyes met Yaz’s.
“Mornin’, Yaz!” the blonde chirped. “Sorry I’m early, but I were too excited to sleep and I tried doing some tinkering but even that weren’t working and eventually I just gave up.”
Yaz smiled. “I don’t mind. I just need a few minutes to braid my hair, if that’s okay.”
Theo’s gaze drifted to Yaz’s hair, which was currently loose and falling around her shoulders. Her eyes widened, as if she hadn’t really registered the state of it until that moment.
“Course,” Theo said, a hint of roughness to her voice. Clearing her throat, she held out the bouquet of flowers. “Also. These are for you.”
Yaz felt her heart flutter as she took the daisies, lifting them to her nose. “These are gorgeous, Theo. Thank you.”
“They symbolize friendship, apparently.” Theo gave her a crooked grin. “Thought Oscar might appreciate it. Course, the main reason was I hoped they’d make you smile.”
Yaz flushed. “Well,” she said with a small smile. “You succeeded.”
They simply stared at each other for a moment before Yaz remembered what she was meant to be doing. “Oh! Hair. Right. Um, would you like to come in? I’ll put these in some water and be ready in five minutes, promise.”
“No rush,” Theo said easily, following Yaz into the house. “We’ve got all day.”
Yaz had just finished trimming the stems of the flowers when Oscar came downstairs.
“Lady Theodora,” he said, a charming smile on his face. “A pleasure.”
Theo gave him a tight smile. “Good morning, Oscar.”
“Oh, are these from you?” he asked as he grazed one of the flowers. “What a lovely gift. Friendship, isn’t it? Yellow daisies?”
Theo nodded.
“How thoughtful,” Oscar said, wrapping an arm around Yaz’s waist as he pressed his lips against her temple. “Isn’t it, Yasmin?”
“Of course,” Yaz murmured, avoiding Theo’s gaze. She fought the urge to squirm away from Oscar, unsure why she felt so uncomfortable having Theo watch him act like this with her.
“Anyway, I have that business brunch with Richard,” Oscar said finally, stepping away from Yaz. “Been putting him off for weeks now. Lovely to see you again, Lady Theodora. See you tonight, Yasmin.”
At the sound of the front door closing, Yaz swallowed. She turned to grab a vase, filling it with water. “I’m sorry,” she said softly as arranged the flowers, still not meeting Theo’s eyes. “I didn’t think he’d come down until we had left. He usually doesn’t start moving until ten on Sundays.”
“Yaz,” Theo said. “Why are you apologizing?”
Yaz finally looked up at her. “I don’t know. I just…don’t like it. How he speaks to you.”
Theo looked as if she was going to say something, but instead pressed her lips together and shrugged. “Not gonna let it ruin our day.”
The mention of the day’s plans sprung Yaz back into action. “Right! We have a lake house to get to. Five minutes and I’ll be ready to go.”
“Make sure you grab a swimsuit, if you’d like,” Theo said, her previous tension gone as she grinned at Yaz. “I’ve got one to change into once we’re there.”
Yaz flashed Theo a smile as she hurried upstairs, quickly plaiting her hair into its usual braid. She dug through her dresser drawer, suddenly feeling overwhelmed at the choices.
Which one would Theo like the best?
She shook her head. She wasn’t dressing to impress the blonde; that would be ridiculous.
And yet.
Yanking one of her bathing suits out of the drawer, she stuffed it into a small tote bag with some suncream, a pair of sunglasses, a towel, and the book she had started reading a month ago before heading back downstairs.
“Ready,” she said breathlessly.
Theo turned towards her, a smile spreading across her face. “Let’s get a shift on.”
***
When Yaz saw the little beat-up blue Mini Cooper parked in front of her house, she couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped her.
“Oi! Are you makin’ fun of our ride?” Theo asked indignantly.
“No! It’s just,” Yaz gestured. “I don’t know, I guess I expected you to drive something…fancier.”
“She has character , Yaz,” Theo huffed. “Lot more than whatever fancy car every other rich person drives nowadays.”
“The car is a she?” Yaz asked teasingly, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes. I fixed her up myself,” Theo said proudly. “Found her at a junkyard and put her back together.”
Yaz looked between Theo and the car, smiling. “You two suit each other.”
“Thank you,” Theo said smugly before moving to open the passenger door. “Your carriage awaits, m’lady.”
Yaz blushed. “Why thank you, kind sir.”
Theo gave her a brilliant smile as she took Yaz’s bag and placed it in the boot before hopping into the driver’s seat.
“Lake house is just about an hour away from here. I’ve got custard creams if you get peckish,” Theo said as she started the car. “Do you want to be the DJ?”
“That’s alright,” Yaz said. “I’m kind of curious to hear what you listen to.”
“Oh, bit of everything,” Theo said. “I were listening to Coldplay on the way over here, though.”
Yaz tilted her head. “Show me your favorite song by them.”
“Oh, that’s easy.” After a few swipes on her phone, the music started to play and Theo immediately began bopping her head along as they got going on their drive.
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow
Theo sang along softly, and Yaz found herself staring with wonder at the blonde. She had a beautiful voice–warm, a little husky.
“You’re starin’,” Theo said, a small smile on her face as she glanced sideways at Yaz.
“You’re beautiful,” Yaz said without thinking. Her eyes widened as her head snapped forward, the road suddenly much more interesting than it was before. “I mean, your voice. It’s beautiful.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a faint blush spread across Theo’s cheeks. “Well. My parents would be happy to know the years of voice lessons they put me through weren’t for nothing.”
“What else did you do as a kid?” Yaz asked curiously.
“Bit of everything.” Theo scrunched her nose. “‘A lady must be well-rounded’, as they loved to remind me. Horseback riding and voice lessons, obviously. Piano, several different languages, dancing, etiquette, cross-stitching. My father taught me to hunt as well, but I never much liked that.”
“I always wanted to learn archery,” Yaz said wistfully. “I was obsessed with The Hunger Games when it came out. Wanted to be just like Katniss Everdeen.”
“Did your parents not approve?” Theo asked.
“No, they would have been fine with it,” Yaz said hesitantly. “We just, um, couldn’t afford it, really.”
Theo hummed. “You know, my father kept all his hunting equipment at the lake house. I believe I have one of my old bows there, if you wanted to learn.”
“Really?” Yaz’s eyes widened.
“Of course,” Theo responded. “I’m a good teacher, promise.”
Yaz smiled. “I’d love that.”
***
The lake house was beautiful.
It was an open floor plan, with giant glass windows and a skylight letting in the late morning sunshine. Outside the kitchen window, Yaz could see the lake sparkling, an occasional ripple dancing across the surface. She could see lounge chairs spread across the deck, along with a large hammock hung up between some of the trees nearby.
“I were thinking maybe we could do some archery, then lunch, then we can swim or just relax or whatever you want to do for the afternoon,” Theo said as she set down the bags from the car. “But it’s totally up to you, of course.”
“Sounds perfect.” Yaz smiled.
After Theo put the drinks and food she had brought in the fridge, she led Yaz over to one of the bedrooms.
“This was my parent’s room,” Theo said, walking over to a tall safe in the corner of the room. She pressed a series of buttons, opening it up to reveal a few rifles and a couple of bows. “And here’s the bow I was taught with.”
Yaz took the offered bow, running her fingers along the wooden curve. “It’s pretty.”
Theo smiled as she grabbed some arrows. “Ready to try it out?”
Yaz nodded excitedly, following Theo outside and watching as Theo grabbed a target out of the shed and set it up.
“Do you want to watch me first, or just have me guide you through it?” Theo asked as she walked back over to Yaz.
Yaz considered. “I think show me how it’s done first.”
Theo nodded, taking the bow from Yaz and notching an arrow. Yaz swallowed as Theo drew back the arrow, suddenly feeling strangely hot at the sight of her arm muscles flexing. God, she’s so–
The whoosh of the arrow flying brought Yaz back to the present, and she watched as the arrow hit the center of the target.
“Damn,” Yaz breathed.
“Years of practice,” Theo said, shrugging off the praise. “You ready?”
Yaz bit her bottom lip. “Think so.”
Theo handed her the bow and an arrow, observing as Yaz mimicked the blonde’s earlier stance. Yaz notched the arrow and pulled back, squinting at the target ahead. She let it go, wrinkling her nose when the arrow hit outside of the target.
“Here,” Theo said, coming up behind Yaz. “Try again, but this time I’ll guide you.”
Yaz’s heart started beating faster as she notched the next arrow, hyperaware of Theo’s presence so close to her.
“Like this,” Theo murmured in her ear, one hand closing over Yaz’s around the bow as the other rested on her shoulder. “Bring the arrow to the corner of your mouth; let that be your anchor. And as you exhale, let go.”
Yaz let the arrow fly, a grin spreading across her face when it hit one of the inner target circles.
“Just like that,” Theo praised, and Yaz felt her cheeks darken.
They spent the next hour taking turns with the bow, Yaz quickly getting the hang of it, before breaking for lunch.
“I really don’t understand how you’re not bouncing off the walls with all the sugar you eat,” Yaz teased as Theo popped her thirteenth custard cream into her mouth.
“Oh, I’m always fizzing inside,” Theo said, mouth still half full. “I’m just quite good at hiding it.”
“You don’t have to hide from me,” Yaz said instantly, blushing as she realized what she’d said. She bit her lip, deciding that if she was going to be that open, she might as well do it thoroughly. “I hope you know that. You’re like the best person I’ve ever met, Theo.”
Theo swallowed as she stared at Yaz, her lips parting. After a few breaths, she gave Yaz a crooked smile. “You’re a good one, Yasmin Khan.”
Before Yaz could say anything else, Theo abruptly changed the subject. “Wanna go swimming now?”
Yaz blinked. “Um, sure.”
“Brilliant,” Theo said as she quickly started towards what Yaz presumed was her bedroom. “Bathroom is down the hall on the left if you fancy changing in there.”
Yaz stared for a moment where Theo had disappeared through the doorway, wondering what had prompted such a reaction in the blonde. Taking in a deep breath (when had she forgotten how to breathe?), she grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom.
Her heart started racing a bit as she remembered which bathing suit she had thrown in–a red bikini, with thin straps that criss-crossed around her midsection. It was one she rarely wore—it was more revealing and had more of a push-up top than what she’d usually wear, but her sister Sonya had convinced her to get it.
It’s just Theo, Yaz reminded herself. Your friend. There’s no reason for you to be reacting like this.
She quickly put on the bathing suit and threw the bag over her shoulder before heading outside, where Theo was adjusting one of the deck chairs.
At the sound of her footsteps, Theo looked up and stopped. She slowly looked Yaz up and down, her gaze lingering, and Yaz felt herself grow warm under the blonde’s scrutiny.
“Need any help?” Yaz said lightly, and Theo’s gaze flickered back to her face.
“Think I’ve got it,” Theo said, clearing her throat as she looked Yaz up and down once more. “You look nice.”
Yaz blushed. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
The blonde was wearing a pair of dark blue swimming trunks dotted with stars, and a charcoal gray top that resembled a sports bra. Her hair was messily tied back in a half ponytail, accentuating her jawline even more than usual.
Theo gave her a crooked grin, tilting her head to the lake. “Last one in’s a rotten egg.”
“Wait a minute,” Yaz laughed. “Have you put on suncream?”
Theo scrunched her nose. “…no.”
Yaz amusedly shook her head, setting the bag down and grabbing out the bottle of suncream she’d thrown in. “C’mere.”
With a good-natured huff, Theo walked over to Yaz and turned around, back towards her.
Squeezing a bit of suncream on her palm, Yaz’s breath caught as she realized she was about to be touching Theo.
The blonde had gone unusually still and silent beneath her as Yaz gently started massaging the suncream into her skin. She had little freckles dotting her shoulders, Yaz noticed, and her skin was cool underneath her fingertips.
As Yaz’s hands moved closer to Theo’s neck, the blonde’s breath hitched.
“Is everything okay?” Yaz murmured, her thumb gently tracing over the blonde’s spine. What am I even doing right now?
“Course,” Theo said, her voice sounding strangely rough before she cleared her throat and turned around. “Think I can finish up the rest. Excellent job, Yaz. An ace suncream-applier. Gold star and a sticker.”
Yaz let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding as Theo grabbed the suncream, slathering a bit on her chest and face before handing it back to Yaz.
“Cannonball!” Theo shrieked as she ran for the lake, flinging herself off the deck.
“Theo–” Yaz started, breaking off into laughter as Theo came back up, her hair plastered to her face where it had partially come undone.
Yaz quickly put some suncream on her face and walked over to the deck’s edge, sitting down and putting her feet in.
“No cannonball?” Theo asked as she swam up, sounding disappointed.
“Don’t think this swimsuit would tolerate that very well,” Yaz said dryly.
Theo hummed as she looked Yaz up and down, once more bringing a faint flush to Yaz’s cheeks. “Well. Can’t have that, can we?”
Rather than trying to formulate any semblance of speech(or think about why on earth this woman made her so flustered), Yaz chose to lower herself into the water, dunking her head under to try and acclimate to the temperature faster.
When she came back to the surface, Theo had moved away a bit, using her arm to make waves (and making little whoosh sound effects as she did, which may or may not have caused Yaz’s heart to flutter a little bit.)
“Having fun?” Yaz asked, eyebrow raised as she smiled at the blonde.
“So much,” Theo said enthusiastically. “You gotta try it, Yaz.”
With a lighthearted shake of her head, Yaz mimicked the blonde’s movements and made her own wave, sending it directly towards the blonde.
“Oi!” Theo said indignantly as the water hit her. “Oh, it’s on , Yasmin Khan.”
Before Yaz knew it, they were engaged in a full-on splash battle, shrieking as the cold water hit them.
After a few minutes, the splashing died down as they came to a stop mere inches from each other, Yaz’s breath catching in her throat at the sudden proximity.
What is happening to me? Yaz felt dizzy as Theo leaned the slightest bit forward, her gaze drifting down to Yaz’s lips.
Is…is she going to kiss me?
Am I going to let her?
Yaz’s lips parted involuntarily, her heart racing as Theo’s hand moved towards her, and Yaz suddenly couldn’t breathe and–
Theo dunked her.
Yaz broke the surface, sputtering. “What the fuck, Theo?”
Theo pressed her lips together, clearly fighting to hold back laughter. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”
***
They swam for a while longer before Theo got peckish and Yaz decided she wanted to go ahead and dry off. After they both got back into their regular clothes and Theo had wolfed down some custard creams, Yaz grabbed her book and headed back outside to enjoy a few more hours of sunshine in the hammock she’d been eyeing ever since they arrived.
She was about five pages further into her book when a shadow cast over her. She glanced up, seeing Theo standing there with a sheepish expression on her face.
“Can I share the hammock with you? It’s well comfy, and the deck chairs aren’t so much, but you were here first so it’s okay if–”
“Theo, it’s your house,” Yaz said wryly. “But no, I don’t mind sharing.”
“Oh, brilliant,” Theo breathed, precariously climbing into the hammock with Yaz, who instinctively nestled into the blonde’s side before going back to her book.
It wasn’t long before the steady warmth of Theo beside her along with the gentle swaying of the hammock started to lull Yaz into a drowsy state.
“M’sleepy,” Yaz mumbled, her grip on her book starting to loosen.
“Get some rest, Yaz,” Theo murmured, gently stroking her hair. Yaz hummed in contentment, her eyes already starting to close as she laid the book down on her lap. “I’ll wake you when it’s time to go home.”
Home.
If Yaz was being honest with herself, home was starting to feel less and less like the house she lived in with Oscar and more like wherever a certain hazel-eyed blonde was.
***
As the weeks went on, Yaz found herself spending more and more time with Theo. Walks around the park, trips to the cinema, keeping each other company at various dinners and such–life became more bearable now that the blonde was such a big part of it.
Yaz tried not to think too hard about how Theo made her feel; how her heart would start racing when she walked into a room, how she still thought about that moment in the lake where she’d been so sure the blonde might kiss her.
Yaz was laying in bed, smiling at a video Theo had sent of a capybara eating a watermelon.
it’s a very cute capybara x
I want one, yaz :(
pretty sure that’s illegal, theo
who’s gonna know? you wouldn’t snitch on me, would you? x
never x
“Almost ready for bed, Yasmin?” Oscar said as he climbed into bed beside her, turning off his bedside lamp. “Or maybe…” His hand started grazing her thigh under the sheets.
Yaz shifted. “Sorry. Not really in the mood tonight.”
Oscar’s jaw tightened briefly before he shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He paused, looking at her phone. “You know, Yasmin, there’s that big promotion happening soon with Ainsworth retiring.”
Yaz stiffened. “Right. Theo mentioned that the other day.”
Oscar raised an eyebrow. “So you’ve discussed it?”
“Not like that,” Yaz said. “She was just talking about how big of a decision it was.”
“And?” Oscar asked expectantly.
Yaz blinked. “And what?”
Oscar gave her a withering glare. “Yasmin. The entire point of you befriending Lady Theodora was to help me in a situation exactly like this. Or have you forgotten how important it is that I get this promotion?”
“I told you, she’s my friend , I don’t–”
“Lady Theodora is as cunning as the next noble and trust me, if she was in my position—”
“Theo.” Yaz was almost as surprised as Oscar was at the interruption, given the look on his face. Steeling herself, she continued. “She prefers to be called Theo. And she is nothing like the other nobles.”
Something flickered across Oscar’s face, an infinitesimal shift in his expression that was gone before Yaz could understand it. He smiled at her.
“Of course, Yaz. You’re right; I’m sorry.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Theo is very lucky to have a friend like you.”
***
Theo was sitting on the couch, glass of whiskey in hand, when Yaz rushed into her living room.
“Yaz?” Theo asked curiously, setting her glass down before standing up and moving closer. “What are you doing here?”
“I—I just… you needed me,” Yaz said slowly, as if she were just coming to the realization herself. “So I’m here.” Why was she here? She paused. “You need me, right?”
Theo’s gaze flickered down to her lips before meeting her eyes again, and Yaz’s breath caught in her throat.
“Yes,” Theo said quietly as she took a step towards Yaz, then another. “You’re right. I do need you.”
Suddenly, Yaz was backed up against the wall, Theo’s hand on the wall next to her head as she looked at her hungrily.
“Theo?” Yaz said, voice trembling. “What are you doing?”
Theo tilted her head, her other hand tracing down Yaz’s jawline, sending a shiver down her spine. “Isn’t this what you want, Yasmin?”
“I—I don’t—” Yaz stumbled on her words, unintentionally arching into the blonde as Theo’s lips grazed her neck.
“You don’t what?” Theo said, her breath hot on Yaz’s skin.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Yaz murmured.
Theo pulled back slightly, still very much in Yaz’s personal space, the proximity leaving her dizzy.
“Do you want me to stop?” Theo asked, voice low.
Yaz swallowed, her breath quickening. “No.”
Theo smiled then as she moved her face closer to Yaz, her lips mere centimeters away from Yaz’s own. “Say it.”
Yaz didn’t hesitate. “Kiss me.”
Theo crashed into her, pulling Yaz close and fuck , nothing had ever felt this way, nothing could compare to Theo’s lips on hers and she needed more , needed—
With a start, Yaz jerked awake, breathing heavily.
Beside her, Oscar stirred. “What’s going on?” he asked, irritation coloring his voice.
“Nothing,” Yaz said immediately. “Just a weird dream. Sorry I woke you.”
With a grunt, Oscar rolled over and went back to sleep.
Heart still racing, Yaz stared at the ceiling, feeling like her world had shifted on its axis.
Theo.
***
Yaz avoided Theo for the next week and a half, unable to deal with the feelings her dream had awoken in her.
She knew it was hurting Theo, nearly as much as it was hurting herself. The blonde had texted her a few times, and each time Yaz had to refuse her it felt like a knife twisting in her gut.
hiya! wanna go for a boat ride this weekend? the weather is supposed to be quite nice x
hey, sorry. oscar has a garden party I’m expected to go to :/
no worries! we’ll figure out something else x
hey yaz! would you like to accompany me on a trip to the cinema tomorrow night? x
I can’t, I’m sorry. oscar has a dinner with his boss that I’m expected to attend.
oscar seems to have a lot for you to do recently. is everything okay, yaz?
of course. I’ll let you know when I’m free, I promise
yaz, it’s been over a week. did I do something wrong?
Yaz bit her lip to keep it from trembling as she stared at the words on her phone.
She missed Theo. So much that it felt like a physical ache.
no, of course not. I’ve just got a lot on my mind. I’m sorry x
that’s okay. I hope you know that I’m here for you though, whatever you need. I know I talk a lot but I can be a good listener x
Yaz took in a deep breath. She could do this. It was nothing but loneliness and a subconscious running wild with her dreams; she could still be friends with Theo. Just as she was about to respond, a second message came through.
I miss you x
Yaz swallowed.
I miss you too xx
Before she could reconsider, she sent another message.
Oscar has a business trip. maybe I could come over tomorrow? if that was alright with you x
The reply came swiftly.
of course that’s alright xx any time you’d like
half three okay? I’ve got a luncheon I have to go to before then
I’ll be waiting x
***
The luncheon was the most boring thing Yaz had ever been to.
She tugged at the hem of her skirt, glad Oscar wasn’t here to tell her off for fidgeting. She hadn’t even wanted to be here; Oscar had insisted on her “making friends” with the wives of his coworkers and their bosses. She’d woken up to an empty bed and the outfit she was now wearing laid out for her, with a note that said simply “you know what to do” on the dresser beside it.
“What do you think, Yasmin?”
Yaz jerked back to the present, where five pairs of eyes were watching her.
“About what?” Yaz asked, her cheeks darkening as she realized she’d been caught.
The hostess, a dark haired woman named Missy, raised an eyebrow. “The orphans, dear.”
Fuck . When had they started talking about orphans? Yaz wracked her brain, trying to recall if Oscar had said anything about the company’s recent philanthropic pursuits.
“I think it’s our duty to help when and where we can,” Yaz finally said, hoping that she’d chosen the right answer.
“Quite right,” one of the other women murmured, the others nodding along.
Relieved, Yaz let herself tune out of the conversation once more, her eyes constantly flickering to the clock on the wall.
She was seeing Theo again today.
Against her will, her heart started racing in her chest as images from her dream flooded her mind.
“Are you alright, Yasmin? You look quite unwell,” a redheaded woman whose name Yaz couldn’t remember asked, concerned.
“Oh, I’m alright,” Yaz said lightly. “Just a bit warm, I think.”
“Hmm. Might want to see a doctor soon, dear,” Missy pursed her lips. “You need to stay in good health if you’re going to be carrying children anytime soon.”
Yaz nearly choked on the sip of lemonade she was drinking. “What?”
“You aren’t getting any younger, dear,” Missy said plainly. “And surely Oscar will want children soon.”
Yaz cleared her throat. “I’m not sure that’s something I’m quite ready for yet.”
“Oh, psh, ” Missy laughed, the other women following suit. “It’s not like you’ll have to actually do much once the child is here. I have an excellent nanny service I’d recommend; their employee Clara has been absolutely wonderful with my boys.”
Yaz gave her a tight smile. “I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
By the time the luncheon was over and it was an acceptable time to leave, Yaz was ready to crawl out of her skin. She hated the facade she was forced to wear around these people; hated the games she had to play.
It was something she never felt when she was around Theo, and suddenly Yaz craved her presence more than anything.
She forced herself to follow the speed limit as she drove over, her adrenaline pumping as she pulled into the driveway.
She walked to the front door, suddenly feeling nervous at the thought of actually seeing the blonde for the first time since her dream.
Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked.
Mere moments later, the door opened to reveal Theo, dressed casually in a Coldplay t-shirt and trousers.
“Hiya,” Theo breathed.
“Hiya, yourself,” Yaz said softly, a smile on her face.
Theo simply stared at her for a moment, as if she was trying to refamiliarize herself with every detail of Yaz’s face. As if suddenly remembering that Yaz was standing outside, she shook her head. “Sorry. Come in, please.”
Yaz followed Theo inside, suddenly feeling awkward. Theo turned towards Yaz, rocking on the balls of her feet.
“I missed you,” she said finally.
“I missed you too,” Yaz said quietly.
Theo bit her lip, as if she were contemplating what to say. Instead of speaking with words, she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Yaz.
For a moment, Yaz was too stunned to respond; however, she quickly tightened her arms around Theo, burying her face in the blonde’s neck.
When Yaz finally drew back, she sucked in a sharp breath.
Theo’s face was so close to hers, and Yaz found herself overwhelmed by the proximity, her gaze unintentionally dropping to Theo’s lips. Her breath quickened as the blonde’s tongue darted forward, her lips parting.
When she looked up into Theo’s eyes, Yaz’s heart skipped a beat as time seemed to stand still around them.
Every lingering glance, every touch between them flashed through Yaz’s mind as their eyes met, and she was sure her heart was going to beat out of her chest.
Yaz knew this was stupid; knew that she was playing with fire.
Let the world burn, then.
Like a moth drawn to flame, Yaz slowly leaned forward and briefly pressed her lips to Theo’s.
“Yaz,” Theo said softly as she pulled back. “What are you doing?”
Yaz swallowed, suddenly hesitant. Had she misread the entire situation? Oh god, what if I’ve got it all wrong? “I…I don’t know.”
“Yasmin.” Theo raised an eyebrow, tilting Yaz’s chin with a delicate finger, her voice low. “Tell me what you want.”
Yaz looked back up at her, meeting hazel eyes darkened with desire, her lip trembling.
You. God, I just want you.
“You,” Yaz said breathlessly, her heart racing. “I want you .”
She leaned forward, desperate to feel the blonde’s lips on hers again. Theo shifted, just out of reach, and Yaz nearly whimpered as Theo’s breath ghosted over her lips.
“Be sure, Yasmin,” Theo said huskily, and god if that didn’t send heat rushing straight to Yaz’s core. “Be very, very sure.”
“I’m sure,” Yaz breathed. “Please, Theo. I need you.”
The blonde crashed into Yaz, panting into her mouth as she wound her hands in Yaz’s hair, and Yaz had never felt so alive , fire racing through her veins. Theo tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth, and Yaz moaned into her mouth, pulling her close.
Her dreams had no hope of ever matching the reality of kissing Theo, and Yaz felt nearly overwhelmed with the sensation of Theo’s lips on hers.
She had barely noticed Theo slowly guiding her backwards until her back hit the wall and suddenly Theo’s hands were everywhere, sliding up and down her sides and groping at her breasts as she started kissing Yaz’s neck.
“Theo,” Yaz gasped. “Fuck, I need more, please. ”
Theo practically growled against her throat as her hand moved lower, fingers tracing up her thigh as she moved under Yaz’s skirt. Yaz’s breath caught as she remembered she wasn’t wearing any underwear.
“Fuck, Yaz,” Theo moaned as her fingers immediately found wet heat. “Planned this, did you?”
“N—no,” Yaz managed to get out, a groan escaping as Theo started to circle her clit. “I never—never wear underwear with this skirt.”
“Lucky for me, then,” Theo murmured as she let one finger press against Yaz’s entrance. “God, you’re so wet for me.”
“Theo, please,” Yaz whimpered. “I need you inside me.”
Theo crushed their lips together once more as she plunged her finger inside.
Theo easily slipped a second finger in, pumping them once, twice, her palm brushing against Yaz’s clit.
Yaz came, her back arching as she unintentionally let out a deep moan.
She froze. “I’m—I’m sorry,” Yaz mumbled, feeling her face darken in embarrassment.
Theo pulled back, her eyes searching. “Why are you apologizing?”
“I don’t—I don’t usually come that fast,” Yaz muttered.
Theo smirked. “Don’t worry. I take it as a compliment. However,” she murmured, pulling out of Yaz and slowly licking her fingers clean, never breaking eye contact. “I do hope you have more in you, because I’m not done with you yet.”
Yaz shivered, lips parted and eyes wide as she nodded.
“Such a good girl for me,” Theo practically purred, leaning forward to kiss Yaz slow and deep, her tongue licking inside Yaz’s mouth, letting Yaz taste herself.
Just when Yaz thought her knees might actually give out, Theo pulled back, her hazel eyes dark. “Shall we?”
Yaz nodded dumbly, unable to speak as Theo took her hand and started leading her upstairs to her bedroom.
The first thing Yaz saw upon entering was the giant mahogany four-poster bed, dark blue satin sheets neatly made and gauzy gray curtains tied back. She slowly walked towards it, experimentally letting her fingers graze over the curtains. Theo came up behind her, pressing a kiss to her neck.
“What do you think?”
Yaz turned to face her, back against the wooden post. “I think I can’t wait for you to fuck me in it.”
Theo grinned before she crashed their lips together once more, quickly untucking Yaz’s shirt and sliding her hands upwards, moaning as she cupped Yaz’s breasts.
“God, I’ve wanted to do this since the moment I laid eyes on you,” Theo murmured against her neck.
“You have?” Yaz asked breathlessly.
Theo tugged on her earlobe with her teeth. “The night we met, I went home and fucked myself to the thought of you.”
“ Fuck ,” Yaz panted. “What—what did you think about?”
Theo smiled wickedly. “Why don’t I just show you?”
Yaz whimpered as Theo picked her up and placed her on the bed, the satin sheets cool underneath her. Yaz quickly moved to the center of the bed, chest heaving as Theo watched her.
“Take off your shirt,” Theo said hoarsely. “I want to see you.”
Yaz quickly removed her shirt and unclasped her bra before tossing them to the side, her nipples hardening as the cool air hit them.
“Beautiful,” Theo whispered reverently. “Lay down for me.”
Yaz obeyed, breath quickening as Theo climbed onto the bed, hovering over her, eyes wide in awe.
“Theo,” Yaz breathed, reaching up to try and pull Theo closer. “Kiss me. Please.”
Without hesitation, Theo leaned down and crashed their lips together, her tongue demanding entrance as she let one hand wander down Yaz’s side, grazing tantalizingly against the side of Yaz’s breast. Yaz arched into her, moaning as Theo moved to pinch her nipple.
“God, you feel so good,” Theo murmured into Yaz’s neck, placing hot open-mouthed kisses on every inch of skin as she made her way down to Yaz’s breasts.
Every inch of Yaz’s skin was on fire under Theo’s ministrations; the feeling of Theo’s tongue swirling around her made her dizzy.
She gasped, chest heaving as Theo’s mouth started moving lower, pressing soft kisses down her stomach. When Theo reached her skirt, she looked up at Yaz.
“Can I?” she asked, voice low.
“God, please ,” Yaz breathed. She felt her heart racing as Theo slowly unzipped the side of the skirt, dragging it down Yaz’s thighs and tossing it to the side. She watched as Theo sat back, her gaze wandering up and down Yaz’s body.
“Yasmin Khan,” Theo whispered. “You’re absolutely stunning.”
“Theo,” Yaz all but whimpered, her core practically throbbing with how badly she needed the blonde between her legs. “I need you.”
At the first swipe of a warm tongue between her folds, Yaz nearly came.
Theo knew what she was doing; that much was clear as she very quickly worked Yaz up to the edge. It almost felt like a game, Yaz thought—Theo alternating between broad strokes of her tongue and tight circles around her clit, seeing just how many moans and gasps she could elicit.
“Theo, I’m close,” Yaz panted.
Theo looked up, holding Yaz’s gaze as she continued mouthing at her, letting one finger press at Yaz’s entrance.
“Please, yes, please,” Yaz said breathlessly, arching her back as Theo easily slid her finger inside. “ Fuck, I need more. Please.”
She felt Theo smile against her as she slid in another finger, curling them up and hitting a spot inside Yaz she didn’t even know existed and oh god —
Yaz twisted her hands into satin sheets, rutting up into Theo’s face as the blonde continued eating her out, carrying Yaz through her orgasm.
Yaz stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily as Theo started kissing her way back up, nuzzling into Yaz’s neck.
“I never knew it could feel like that,” Yaz whispered.
Theo pulled back, looking at her curiously. “Wait, has no one ever…?”
Yaz flushed. “No. Oscar was the first person I’d ever been with, and he doesn’t really like it. Sometimes he would, but he never really tried to make me come.”
Theo scrunched her nose. “His loss. You taste amazing.”
Yaz felt her cheeks darken even further as she pulled Theo into a slow, deep kiss, moaning as she tasted herself on Theo’s tongue.
“I wanna make you feel that way,” Yaz murmured. “But I don’t—I don’t know how.”
“It wouldn’t take much,” Theo admitted, her breath catching as Yaz’s fingers drifted towards the button of her trousers. “I’m a bit worked up after that, to be honest.”
“Please, Theo,” Yaz breathed. “I wanna feel you.”
Theo bit her lip, nodding as she pulled back to shimmy out of the trousers and boxers she wore.
Yaz’s tongue darted forward, her throat suddenly feeling very dry at the sight before her.
“Can you…” Yaz trailed off as she looked at Theo’s top, unsure what she was allowed to ask for. Theo swallowed before removing her shirt and pulling her sports bra over her head and fuck—
Yaz surged forward onto her knees, crashing their lips together and winding her hands in Theo’s hair, gently scratching along her scalp. Theo groaned beneath her, pulling her even closer, and the sensation of Theo’s breasts touching her own sent heat rushing to her core.
Slowly, Yaz started peppering kisses down Theo’s jawline and neck, grazing along her collarbones and down her breastbone until her breath was ghosting over a hardened nipple. She looked up at Theo through hooded lashes, waiting for permission. When Theo nodded, her eyes dark with desire, Yaz hesitantly started mimicking Theo’s earlier ministrations.
“ Fuck , Yaz,” Theo moaned as Yaz swirled her tongue around first one nipple, then the other. “God, you feel so good.”
Yaz smiled against her as she let one hand start drifting down Theo’s stomach, pausing as soon as she felt curly hair beneath her fingertips.
“Can I?” Yaz asked huskily.
“Yes,” Theo breathed, gasping as Yaz’s fingers slid into wet heat.
And fuck , Theo really hadn’t been lying when she’d said she was worked up. The knowledge that she had made Theo feel this way, that she could provoke such a reaction from the blonde, filled her with a newfound sense of confidence. She started rubbing slow circles around Theo’s clit, pressing hot open-mouthed kisses on Theo’s neck as she did.
“Faster,” Theo murmured. “Please.”
Yaz obliged, quickening her pace as Theo started to roll her hips into Yaz’s hand.
“ Yasmin ,” Theo moaned. “Fuck, I’m close.”
Yaz nearly whimpered, crashing their lips together as she continued rubbing tight circles around Theo’s clit.
Theo’s movements became more and more erratic, her chest heaving as she continued grinding against Yaz’s palm, gasping into Yaz’s mouth.
With a shuddering breath, Theo came.
As Theo’s movements began to slow, Yaz pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.
“Was that alright?” Yaz asked, suddenly nervous.
“More than alright,” Theo grinned. “That were amazing.”
Yaz smiled shyly at her.
Theo leaned forward and kissed her again, gently laying Yaz back down against the pillows and hovering over her. The kiss quickly deepened, Theo’s hands starting to wander once more, her touch quickly working Yaz up again.
“You know,” Yaz breathed as Theo started kissing her neck. “Oscar doesn’t get back from his business trip until tomorrow afternoon.”
Theo smiled against her, hand dipping between Yaz’s thighs. “Brilliant.”